Sacrament of First Communion

Preparation for the celebration of First Eucharist with children who are baptized is coordinated within the parish. It is the policy of the Diocese of Buffalo that First Eucharist be celebrated in the third grade. The parish catechetical leader (director of faith formation / religious education) coordinates the process of preparation and the celebration under the supervision of the pastor. 
 
Families enrolled in Catholic schools will need to register for the First Eucharist program at their home parish. The preparation process for a sacrament is separate and distinct from the third grade faith formation curriculum and is family centered. The complete policy, including recommended models, can be found here:
Click here

There are a number of good resources to be found from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, including these:

Eucharist: Body of Christ, Broken for the World
United States Council of Catholic Bishops

The Fountain of Love: How Parents Form Children for Eucharist  
United States Council of Catholic Bishops

Unbaptized children, over the age of reason (7), are to become part of the parish-based Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) with adaptations for children. Children who have reached the age of reason are considered, for purposes of Christian initiation, to be adults (Canon 852:1). Their formation should follow the general pattern of the ordinary catechumenate as far as possible. They should receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, together with the older catechumens.  

The Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church


Since the conclusion of the Spring Plenary Assembly of the U.S. bishops, there has been much attention on the vote taken to draft a document on the Eucharist. The question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot. The vote by the bishops tasked the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine to begin the drafting of a teaching document on the Eucharist. 

Commonly asked questions on the meeting and on this topic at issue. 

Questions? Please contact us.